Reed performing at Glastonbury

Lou Reed is preparing to make a guest appearance with Gorillaz as they headline Glastonbury Festival, it’s been confirmed.

Damon Albarn revealed the Perfect Day singer and former Velvet Underground star would be one of a number of vocalists planning to take the stage during their slot.

Lou Reed will be making a guest appearance at Glastonbury

In an interview to be broadcast on Radio 4’s Front Row on Wednesday night, Damon also said The Fall’s Mark E Smith and Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays would perform.

Gorillaz were drafted in as last-minute replacements for U2 after Bono underwent emergency surgery for a serious back problem.

Their albums have featured an array of guest singers and rappers, prompting much speculation about who would play with them. But they told presenter John Wilson that Lou was due to arrive and “fingers crossed, coming straight to rehearsal”.

Damon said that the other collaborators will include Snoop Dogg and Mos Def, both of whom were already playing in their own right at the festival.

De La Soul, The Pharcyde and Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals will also appear.

The band’s third album, Plastic Beach, saw the line-up include former Clash stars Paul Simonon and Mick Jones, who recently played live dates and will be performing at Glastonbury.

Revellers bound for the 40th Glastonbury Festival were warned to be patient and prepare for delays as traffic mounted around the site on its opening day.